Atrial fibrillation--new knowledge yields new therapeutic possibilities

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia prompting treatment. Advances in our knowledge of the pathophysiology of AF provide the basis for new and improved treatment modalities. Thus, focal excitation and localised impulse conduction defects are possible trigger factors which c...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inLäkartidningen Vol. 96; no. 36; p. 3796
Main Authors Olsson, S B, Carlson, J, Fåhraeus, T, Hansson, A, Hertervig, E, Ingemansson, M, Kongstad, O, Lindholm, C J, Meurling, C, Platonov, P, Roijer, A, Yuan, S
Format Journal Article
LanguageSwedish
Published Sweden 08.09.1999
Subjects
Atrial Fibrillation - diagnosis
Atrial Fibrillation - physiopathology
Atrial Fibrillation - therapy
Electrocardiography
Humans
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Summary:Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia prompting treatment. Advances in our knowledge of the pathophysiology of AF provide the basis for new and improved treatment modalities. Thus, focal excitation and localised impulse conduction defects are possible trigger factors which can be counteracted by focal ablation and pacing synchronisation, respectively. Perpetuation of AF, caused by continuous multisite re-entry, is promoted by successive shortening of repolarisation. Internal defibrillation and anatomical limitation of re-entry are treatments that counteract perpetuation of the arrhythmia. Current knowledge of AF and the application of new treatments are discussed by the Lund AF research group.
ISSN:0023-7205